Steven wrote:
>I really don't think film will disappear anytime soon. No, it won't disappear. The are literally hundreds of millions 35mm film cameras out there and some are going to want to use them. Therefore, somebody is going to provide film for these cameras. >The interesting >question is if there will be room in the smaller market for Pentax. It might be better room. If film turns into more of a niche market then there could be made room. Also, I believe that due to digital people will get used to paying more for their cameras and hence will tolerate higher prices. Eg. I believe it could be easier to get acceptance for a $2000 35mm slr in the future than now. >In addition, smaller sales provides less R&D money, so it becomes hard >to keep up. But then you can make low volume items that command higher prices and profits. I believe the Limited lenses, and to some extent the MZ-S, are steps in this direction. >I'm not sure how diversified Pentax is, although I do know >they make medical imaging equipment, binoculars etc. I image they could >provide lenses for other companies as well. They also have certain >patents which they licence without actually producing the technology. About 50% of Pentax turnaround is photo related. This is probably the highest percentage in business among the major japanese camera manufacturers. Olympus is only 10% and Canon somewhere in the 10-20% area. However, Pentax is very much present where the money is. And that is "expensive" P & S, like the zoom compacts where they are market leader. > >Does anyone know where you can look at any financial information about >these companies? > I believe it is on their web pages somewhere. P�l - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
